The Anderson intelligencer. [volume] (Anderson Court House, S.C.) 1860-1914, 1887-10-06
WASHINGTON LETTER.
WASHINGTON, DC, Oct. 3, 1887.

WASHINGTON LETTER.
WASHINGTON, D. O., Oct. 3, 1887. =
Mr.. Oberly, of the Civil Service Com.
mission, has started frst-class sensation
in political circles by his recent pub
.lished letter replying to an invitation to
address the Illinois Democratic Associa-
ton in this city, in which he declares
that all such organizations are contrary
to the spirit and letter of the civil service
law. It is we'll known that large mum.
ber of these clubs exist in Washington,
composed separately of the government
employees from the different States re-
siding here, and it is equally we'll known,
though moi publicly declared, that their
purposes are to advance the interests Of
the party to which they belong. 1t
follows without argument that these
clubs would seek party advancement, if
not by practical public effort, at least by
advice and consolation in secret, though
not less effective ways; and to divest
them of their political character would
be to defeat the very purpose Of their
organization. 1t is the prime motive Of
their existence, and a most reasonable
and commendable one. Hence it follows
that the latest invective of Commissioners
Oberly, hurled against all such organiza'
tions in general, and Democratic organi-
cations in particular, should awaken a
tornado of indignation at what is termed
an unwarranted and strained construc.
ton of the law, an oficious and meddle.
some interference, and as Insulting and
scandalous." Several Of these associa.
tions have taken official cognizance of
the letter in resolutions sharply con-
demning the act of the Commissioner,
and, with q degree Of temerity quite
heroic, in uttering their defiance of his
anathema. Mr.. Oberly sustains himself
by quoting the law, which he says, while
not 70 blame for its creation, he is respon-
sible for its enforcement; and, while
avowing his incorporating democracy,
he intends to obey the law and see that
others do so, regardless of consequences.
The enforced obedience to the law, on
the basis of lIr. Oberly's Interpretation
of it, would fall heavily on the democra.
cy since these State associations always
furnish substantial assistance to their
party. But it is altogether probable thet
they will continue their pleasant, and,
from political standpoint, very useful
existence. They are composed Of gov.
erument officers of high and low degree,
and it would be folly to try to disband
them. They will live and thrive, and,
despite laws and accommodations, will
continue to give aid and comfort to their
party.
The prospect of revision of the tariff
during the coming session of Congress, is
becoming settled conviction, and is
recognized as one of the certainties Of
the Fiftieth Congress. It is admitted on
all sides, not only from standpoint of
public necessity, but from political ex-
pediency, that the tariff should have an
overhauling in the direction of a reduc.
tion of taxation, and in the removal,
from the shoulders of the people, of
useless and unjust burdens. The Demo.
Gratis having a majority in the House,
wisely foresee the political advantages
that will attach to the passage of the
measure, and wisely determine that this
winter shall see great reductions in the
internal taxes. To accomplish these re.
suits so "devoutly to be wished" perfect
accord with the party must give place to
the present want of harmony between
the factions. Will they harmonic, is
the question Of greatest anxiety, and the
question to which Democratic place.
makers are devoting their good Offices.
Mr.. Randall is still the doubtful element,
the greatest source Of danger, and unless
such concessions are made as will secure
his support. and the support of his
followers, the result of the contest can.
not be predicted with any degree of GER
tainty. Democratic protectionists, of
whom Mr.. Randall is the leader, express
the opinion that revision of the tariff
must come, and that the whole party
will unite in the common cause Of tariff
reform. This would indicate the disposi-
tion among them to support the Carlisle
wing which they so stoutly antagonized
in the last Congress.
The President started on his western
trip on Friday, and it is evident so far,
from its success in meeting only the most
favorable auspices, that Mr.. Cleveland's
proverbial good luck will disprove the
popular superstition that Friday is day
of evil happenings. The President has
developed much ability as speech
maker, his latest efforts being admirable
specimens of digni6ed thought and chaste
expression. He evidently anticipated
the demands that would be made upon
him in this respect, and has given
evidence of this previous preparation in
the knowledge of local conditions shown
in his speeches, in which his remarks
were locally applicable to the communi-
ties he addressed. He prudently with
holds any allusion to politics, and
modestly refrains from any self-lsudation,
con6ning his remarks to subjects of
. II 4.